Stanfest: Stan Rogers Folk Festival

Get ready for a foot stompin’, sing alongin’, all around awesome weekend of music at the annual Stan Rogers Folk Festival!

Celebrating its 30th year in 2026, from July 20-26, 2026, the award-winning Stan Rogers Folk Festival, known as Stanfest, has been one of Nova Scotia’s signature summer festivals. This gathering of songwriters was named in honour of the great Canadian songwriter, the late Stan Rogers. Imagine all that was great about Woodstock – the peaceful vibe, the incredible quality and quantity of music, the camping, the camaraderie – and transpose it on a tiny, remote fishing community and you have a memorable Nova Scotia experience like no other!

From July 20 to July 26, this international festival of songwriters brings 40+ artists/bands to perform in northeastern Nova Scotia, including:

• The Stanfest Roadshow (July 20-22): a three day, 10 show celebration taking place in seven communities in Guysborough County;
• The Roar Back Concert (July 23): Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Stan Rogers – the songs, the stories, and the spirit that have shaped Stanfest for 30 remarkable years. This unforgettable evening brings together an extraordinary lineup of artists in tribute to Stan’s music, including members of the Rogers family, making it both a meaningful and deeply personal celebration.
• Stanfest (July 24-26): surround yourself with music flowing from the festival’s three stages over the three day Stanfest weekend. Add in camping, great food and non-stop “jamming” with friends, new and old, for a memorable weekend!

Hosted in Canso, the festival attracts international stars and showcases them alongside the finest East Coast and local artists. Past headliners include Johnny Reid, George Canyon, Gordie Sampson, The Town Heroes, Slowcoaster, Reeny Smith, Joel Plaskett, Matt Andersen, Jim Cuddy, Serena Ryder, Dave and Judd Gunning, JP Cormier, and more!

Each day, over 3,000 people gather for the main performances and the vibrant jam-scene throughout the festival’s campgrounds.

Want to join the camping party, but don’t have the gear? No problem! A for Adventureland offers an exclusive onsite group camping experience with fully-equipped tent packages – all you need to bring is your sleeping bag and pillow. Add in hosted group jams, meals, parties, and off-site adventures and it doesn’t get any easier!

2026 Admission: Daily, weekend, and evening tickets available. Children 12 and under are free! Visit our website to purchase event tickets and passes.

For more information and to book, visit: stanfest.com, call 1-888-554-7826, or email info@stanfest.com.

Good to know:

• Located in Canso, only 3.5 hours from Halifax and 1.5 hours from Antigonish.
• Canso is a one-stop location for all required visitor services and supplies, including fuel, groceries, alcohol, septic, convenience items, electric vehicle charging station at the local library, café, museum, walking trails, boat rides, etc.
• The festival grounds are well-serviced by local food and beverage vendors
• Many local craft artisans showcase their artwork in our Handmade Village.